Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Thanksgiving traditions.

Today, for the next-to-last Thanksgiving post, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Jodie Griffin. Jodie is a talented writer and all around nice person. Her first book, Forbidden Fantasies, releases early next year through Carina Press.

First, I’d like to thank Shawna for sharing her blog space with all of us this month. I’ve really enjoyed reading all the posts.

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday of the year.  Food, family, fun…what more could I ask for?  My house is decorated with pumpkins and turkeys, much to my husband’s dismay. (Although, after fifteen years together, he’s gotten used to it!)

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving had a routine.  Every year, the same thing. Instead of being boring, though, I loved the comfortable sameness of it.  On Thanksgiving morning, we’d get up, and mom would be getting the turkey ready. We’d have the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV in the background and be peeling potatoes and making the stuffing to fill the bird.  All day, the house would smell amazing. We’d often have friends over for dinner or dessert, and after we ate, we’d play board or card games.  Then, at night, my mom and I would watch Miracle on 34th Street together, and we’d munch on leftovers.  Those were the days! 

Now, as an adult, things are similar with my own family, although we’ve added some traditions of our own.   We have Wii bowling matches, and there’s usually some movie or another blaring from the family room.  While husbands and kids are doing that, my sister and I scour the store ads for bargains, deciding whether or not it’s worth it to brave the Black Friday crowds (for me, most of the time the answer is “not on your life!”)

One tradition that hasn’t changed is sharing what we’re grateful for. This year, I can add “got my first publishing contract” to my list.  My novella, Forbidden Fantasies, will be published by Carina Press in March 2012.

What traditions have you carried over from your own childhood?  Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you all enjoy this festive holiday season!

Jodie Griffin   

4 comments:

  1. Hi Jodie,

    Thank you so much for guesting on my blog. Growing up, our Thanksgivings were very much like yours, only it was my Grandma making the turkey. As I took over that task, I kept everything the same. (As much as possible) Traditions give you a sense of stability, of history, and I think, remind you of the people you love.

    This year I shared Thanksgiving with my husband's family. I brought carrots and parsnips, a dish I hated growing up, but now love. It's as much a part of Thanksgiving as the turkey. They, well most of them, liked it. ; )

    Again, thank you so much for guesting. : )

    ReplyDelete
  2. When I got married we pretty much established our own traditions, being a continent away from family. Now my daughters & grandson wouldn't let me change a thing even if I wanted to! We do use my mother's 1950's stuffing recipe so I guess that's our link to the past. Enjoyed the post, congratulations on your novella!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Much of the same things happened in my house growing up as in yours, except it was football on TV : ) These days, not much has changed for my own family. Being so far from our other relatives, however, keeps the feast down to manageable chaos, but I miss the big family atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Jodi,

    Congrats on the "first publishing contract!" I felt the same way this year too. A big year for firsts! Our tradition for the 27 years I've been in LA is spending dinner with my aunt and uncle and cousins. This was probably the last year at their place so it was very bitter sweet. Lots of memories to last a lifetime. Congrats again and looking forward to your story!

    ReplyDelete